Messier 63 aka "Sunflower-galaxy" is located in the constellation "Canes Venatices" in the northern hemisphere. Discovered by Pierre Mechain in 1779 (the same year when the "Black-eye-galaxy M64, M 58,59,60 and 61 were discovered) it is considerabley large, appearing at about 12.6 by 7.2 arc minutes, which yield about 100.000 lightyears across, respectfully. M63 can therefor be spotted in a standard amateur telescope, even in a good bino, she should make a significant "blob" in the field, as it has a very bright core. However, shining at about 8m5 it is definitely out of reach for bare eye visualisation; 27 Million lightyears is just too far away.

When looking at the full-size version, you might find the very center of the galaxy significantly yellowish in a distinctl area. This color originates in the presence of very old stars, dwelling quite close to the center. Not many galaxies show this color-distinction so dramatically as the "sunflower" does. Having an image of the sun in our mind, we understand, the name "sunflower" was perfectly chosen for her - even though the color has been viewed the first time way later, after the galaxy's name was given.

Interestingly enough, in near infrared investigations a completely different image of this beautyful spiral-galaxy is revelaed. In lower frequency of the spectrum we can only see 2 major spirals, and no mind, who's conception of the world was based upon IR-eyes would ever think of taging M63 "sunflower". (find more here).